The Belgian has made three league appearances so far this season, finding the back of the net with a powerful drive against Malaga, and has also started two UEFA Champions League matches and a Copa del Rey tie. Though that may not sound like much, the centre-half is aware that he needs to be patient. “I know that we have a lot of high-class players in the team and that I’m going to have to fight hard for the chance to play. I’m delighted that I’m able to compete now, though. I can sense that I’m improving every day, and I know that if I train well then the opportunities will start to come my way.”
Aside from his own personal drive, a further source of motivation for the former Arsenal player is the fact that Bar?a are in a rich vein of form. Despite Saturday’s draw at Valencia, their emphatic clásico win over Real Madrid is still very fresh in the memory: “We weren’t as convincing at the start of the season, but the fact is that we put in a spectacular performance against Real Madrid. I think we’re playing our very best football right now and that obviously gives us a lot of confidence.”